The 15 Coolest Things You Can Do on a Cruise Ship

By the year, the number of cruise ships sailing the seven seas continues to expand. As cruise lines bring out their new boats – and as they retrofit their old ones – they’re constantly trying to outdo one another. This is obviously great news for cruise goers everywhere, as it means that we’re constantly getting a steady stream of totally cool and totally new cruise ship amenities.

Particularly in recent years, cruise ships have rolled out some really cool stuff. From skydiving simulators to robotic bartenders, there are plenty of awesome things to see and do aboard today’s cruise ships. But, which are the coolest things, and where can you find them? That’s what we’re going to take a look at, as we share our picks for the 15 coolest things you can do on a cruise ship!

1. Seawalk

More and more ships are installing cantilevered walkways that allow you to step out over the side of the ship. For example, check out the Seawalk aboard the Royal Princess.

2. Sky Diving

Want to try sky diving without the danger? Then be sure to check out the sky-diving simulators aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships.

3. Ice Skating in Studio B

Tropical vacations and ice skating definitely don’t go hand-in-hand… Unless, of course, you’re cruising on the Allure of the Seas.

4. Bon Appetit Culinary Center

Want to learn the tricks of the trade for master chefs? Well, you can take classes when you’re cruising on Oceania’s Rivieria and Marina cruise ships.

5. The Illusionarium

When you’re aboard the Norwegian Getaway, be sure to check out the absolutely wild magic shows that take place in The Illusionarium.

6. Zip-Lining

Royal Caribbean’s new, huge ships are something else. You thrill seekers out there should definitely check out the zip-lines that they offer!

7. 5-D Theater

On the Carnival Breeze, you can try out a 5-D theater, that combines movements and even smells to truly immerse you in a film.

8. Ice Bar

Three of Norwegian’s ships – the Getaway, Breakaway and Epic – offer up freezing ice bars for patrons to enjoy some ice-cold libations.

9. Molecular Bar

Forget about molecular gastronomy! On Celebrity’s ships, you can stop in at the Molecular Bar, which serves up some truly original cocktails.

10. Mandra Spa

Aboard the Norwegian Epic, you can check out the Mandra Spa, which offers sauna rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows… How relaxing is that?

11. Virtual Balconies

Interior cabins are kind of a drag, but ships like the Disney Magic and Royal Caribbean’s newest ships are now offering “virtual balconies”.

12. Lawn Club Grill

There’s no denying that cruise ships can be a little ‘articifial’. This is what makes the natural grass of Celebrity’s Lawn Club Grills so nice.

13. Surf’s Up!

Another awesome amenity that you’ll find aboard many Royal Caribbean ships is the Wave Rider surfing simulator… Hang loose!

14. Ropes Courses

Norwegian has been leading the way in the realm of ropes courses. The one aboard the Getaway is particularly cool!

15. The Rising Tide Bar

Here’s another Royal Caribbean Oasis-class amenity that’s totally rad! There’s a bar you can drink at that’s on an elevator and travels between decks.